intro and encouragement
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I have been benefiting from this list for a few months,
but have never posted. I am an unschooling mom of three
daughters, ages 9, 7 and 5. It has been a rough month for us
as we have wondered whether our choice to home and then
unschool our kids is the "right" thing to do. I realized
that I was taking too many polls of the people around me,
trying to get their approval so that I could feel okay
about what we were doing. It wasn't enough that my husband
and I felt confident about it, I needed everyone to pat me o
on the head and say what a good job I was doing and what
a wonderful mother I was. I have realized over the past week
that there are places where you will be able to get support
in these endeavors and places where that support will never
be forthcoming. Just as I had to accept that, I have had to
wrestle with my own doubts and fears on a daily basis. Its
not the most fun, but at least I can feel good that I am
showing my kids that we can reevaluate and renegotiate
life whenever we want to, making mistakes can be a way of
finding out both what we like and what needs to be let go of.
I appreciate the input on this list so much. Thanks. Teresa
but have never posted. I am an unschooling mom of three
daughters, ages 9, 7 and 5. It has been a rough month for us
as we have wondered whether our choice to home and then
unschool our kids is the "right" thing to do. I realized
that I was taking too many polls of the people around me,
trying to get their approval so that I could feel okay
about what we were doing. It wasn't enough that my husband
and I felt confident about it, I needed everyone to pat me o
on the head and say what a good job I was doing and what
a wonderful mother I was. I have realized over the past week
that there are places where you will be able to get support
in these endeavors and places where that support will never
be forthcoming. Just as I had to accept that, I have had to
wrestle with my own doubts and fears on a daily basis. Its
not the most fun, but at least I can feel good that I am
showing my kids that we can reevaluate and renegotiate
life whenever we want to, making mistakes can be a way of
finding out both what we like and what needs to be let go of.
I appreciate the input on this list so much. Thanks. Teresa
A. Yates
Yep, doubts seem to go with the territory, but I'm finding that this is
good. It helps me examine my choices very closely. But, having said that,
I still have doubts. I do have friends who homeschool though, and I can
always turn to them in those times. I feel much better shortly. It does
get easier I think. It is a huge change, and changes take time to get used
to. Welcome.....
Ann
good. It helps me examine my choices very closely. But, having said that,
I still have doubts. I do have friends who homeschool though, and I can
always turn to them in those times. I feel much better shortly. It does
get easier I think. It is a huge change, and changes take time to get used
to. Welcome.....
Ann
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/19/00 8:45:58 AM Pacific Standard Time,
ptjlmbaldwin@... writes:
<< I realized
that I was taking too many polls of the people around me,
trying to get their approval so that I could feel okay
about what we were doing. >>
Welcome Teresa,
I too have done this in too many areas of my life for many years. If I
don't allow myself to get distracted my others' opinions, I have a good,
clear sense of what I believe in and the way I want to live. Unschooling is
an important part of my life and ideals. But I can be insecure at times and
if I am around certain people at those times, I find myself doubting what I
believe. As the years go by, I find myself more sure and I bolster that by
thinking, reading, and writing about the reasons for my beliefs. Lists like
this are also a major source of support.
I don't like to be afraid to listen to others' opinions because I
believe we are often challenged and enriched by them. So I try to find the
balance between being open to other views, willing to discuss things, and
doing what I need to do to stay connected to my own true voice. Best wishes
with your unschooling adventures...
Lucy in Calif.
ptjlmbaldwin@... writes:
<< I realized
that I was taking too many polls of the people around me,
trying to get their approval so that I could feel okay
about what we were doing. >>
Welcome Teresa,
I too have done this in too many areas of my life for many years. If I
don't allow myself to get distracted my others' opinions, I have a good,
clear sense of what I believe in and the way I want to live. Unschooling is
an important part of my life and ideals. But I can be insecure at times and
if I am around certain people at those times, I find myself doubting what I
believe. As the years go by, I find myself more sure and I bolster that by
thinking, reading, and writing about the reasons for my beliefs. Lists like
this are also a major source of support.
I don't like to be afraid to listen to others' opinions because I
believe we are often challenged and enriched by them. So I try to find the
balance between being open to other views, willing to discuss things, and
doing what I need to do to stay connected to my own true voice. Best wishes
with your unschooling adventures...
Lucy in Calif.